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Metamaterial Design through Topological Optimizers and Their Potential Benefits for Solar Cell Applications
In recent years it has been demonstrated that metamaterials can overcome the limits of conventional optics. However, designing such metamaterials for a specific purpose without any prior knowledge can be a difficult task. Recent research shows that topological solvers can find non-intuitive solution
Keywords: Metamaterial, simulation, topological optimizer, solar cells, electromagnetic fields, optics
In recent years it has been demonstrated that metamaterials can overcome the limits of conventional optics such as lenses and polarizers. Due to the possibility to design sub-diffraction structures, it is possible to engineer metaatoms that can have effective material properties that are not otherwise available in nature. This enables to manipulated light and its properties such as polarization, wavelength, and propagation direction for beam steering applications. However, designing such a metamaterial for a specific purpose without any prior knowledge can be a difficult task.
Recent research introduced a novel type of iterative optimization methods, where rather than trying to find an
optimum solution through analytical models and parameter sweeps of a fixed structure, the solver “pixelates” a certain field, giving the optimizer the freedom to investigate also non-intuitive structures. This topological approach has been demonstrated in various systems, for example for efficient diffr
In recent years it has been demonstrated that metamaterials can overcome the limits of conventional optics such as lenses and polarizers. Due to the possibility to design sub-diffraction structures, it is possible to engineer metaatoms that can have effective material properties that are not otherwise available in nature. This enables to manipulated light and its properties such as polarization, wavelength, and propagation direction for beam steering applications. However, designing such a metamaterial for a specific purpose without any prior knowledge can be a difficult task. Recent research introduced a novel type of iterative optimization methods, where rather than trying to find an optimum solution through analytical models and parameter sweeps of a fixed structure, the solver “pixelates” a certain field, giving the optimizer the freedom to investigate also non-intuitive structures. This topological approach has been demonstrated in various systems, for example for efficient diffr
Goal of this thesis is to set up a solver for a topological design of a metametarial. In the scope of a semester thesis, reproducing the results of a published paper on topological optimizers should be the goal. In the scope of a master thesis, the solver is used on an examplatory system, where the metamaterial should be optimized for a passive tracking and light focusing for a solar cell application, enabling the potential for cost friendly improvement of solar cells. An industry partner with interest in this analysis will join in for discussions and if the project’s analysis and results are succesful, an oppurtinity for the continuation into a PhD-thesis might be possible.
Goal of this thesis is to set up a solver for a topological design of a metametarial. In the scope of a semester thesis, reproducing the results of a published paper on topological optimizers should be the goal. In the scope of a master thesis, the solver is used on an examplatory system, where the metamaterial should be optimized for a passive tracking and light focusing for a solar cell application, enabling the potential for cost friendly improvement of solar cells. An industry partner with interest in this analysis will join in for discussions and if the project’s analysis and results are succesful, an oppurtinity for the continuation into a PhD-thesis might be possible.
Schematics of the spectrum splitting by a topological metamaterial. Each spectral component is directed to respective PV-cell.
Schematics of the spectrum splitting by a topological metamaterial. Each spectral component is directed to respective PV-cell.
Theory (30%), Programming (30%), Simulation (40%)
Theory (30%), Programming (30%), Simulation (40%)
Experience in basic programming and data evaluation are advantageous. Interest in optics recommended.
Experience in basic programming and data evaluation are advantageous. Interest in optics recommended.
Institute of Electromagnetic Fields (IEF)
ETH Zurich
Alexander Dorodnyy, ETZ K 97, Tel: +4144 632 57 22
Stefan Köpfli, ETZ K 60.1, Tel: +4144 632 76 57
Raphael Schwanninger, ETZ K 60.1, Tel: +4144 633 81 98
Prof. Dr. Jürg Leuthold, ETZ K 81, Tel: +4144 633 80 10
Gloriastrasse 35
8092 Zurich
Email: alexander.dorodnyy@ief.ee.ethz.ch
Email: stefan.koepfli@ief.ee.ethz.ch
Email: raphael.schwanninger@ief.ee.ethz.ch
Institute of Electromagnetic Fields (IEF) ETH Zurich
Alexander Dorodnyy, ETZ K 97, Tel: +4144 632 57 22 Stefan Köpfli, ETZ K 60.1, Tel: +4144 632 76 57 Raphael Schwanninger, ETZ K 60.1, Tel: +4144 633 81 98 Prof. Dr. Jürg Leuthold, ETZ K 81, Tel: +4144 633 80 10 Gloriastrasse 35 8092 Zurich